Simulation of Wi-Fi signal propagation in three-dimensional visualization

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure is directed to 3-D visualization of wireless signal propagation representing wireless signal strength and interference in 3-D space. The present technology can identify a plurality of access points (APs) in the 3-D space, determine a wireless signal strength for each of the plurality of APs, and determine an interference with the wireless signal strength of each of the plurality of APs, wherein the interference is caused by a neighboring AP of the plurality of APs in the 3-D space. The present technology can further present a 3-D visualization of a wireless signal propagation pattern representing the wireless signal strength from each of the plurality of APs in the 3-D space and the interference from the neighboring AP.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application No.63/224,340 filed on Jul. 21, 2021, which is expressly incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter of this disclosure relates in general to the field ofwireless networks, and more particularly, to systems and methods forproviding a three-dimensional (3-D) visualization of a wireless signalpropagation including wireless signal strength of each of a plurality ofaccess points (APs) and interference from neighboring APs.

BACKGROUND

With growing interest in optimizing the wireless network infrastructureto improve the wireless network performance, various wireless networkplanning tools are available for analyzing, visualizing, andtroubleshooting the wireless signal propagation (e.g., Wi-Fi coverage)of the wireless network.

A visualization of the wireless signal propagation can helpunderstanding the signal propagation (i.e., assessing the signalpropagation behavior) and validating the signal propagation based onsignal level measurements from APs and sensors so that an optimizedwireless network can be designed as to where to place or how toconfigure Wi-Fi APs. Also, the visualization of the wireless signalpropagation can help with site survey measurements and capture accuratevisual representations for network design.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and otheradvantages and features of the disclosure can be obtained, a moreparticular description of the principles briefly described above will berendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawingsdepict only exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and are not,therefore, to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the principlesherein are described and explained with additional specificity anddetail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example visualization system for presenting awireless signal propagation in 3-D according to some aspects of thedisclosed technology.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example network architecture of a visualizationsystem for presenting a wireless signal propagation in 3-D according tosome aspects of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example network architecture diagram of avisualization system for presenting a wireless signal propagation in 3-Daccording to some aspects of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example control menu for a 3-D visualizationsystem according to some aspects of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example 3-D visualization of a wireless signalpropagation according to some aspects of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example method for providing a 3-Dvisualization of wireless signal propagation according to an example ofthe instant disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example method for determining a radiofrequency (RF) signal strength at points distributed in a 3-D spaceaccording to some aspects of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 8 is an example workflow for providing received signal strengthindicators (RSSI) values for a 3-D visualization according to someaspects of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example 3-D visualization of wireless signalpropagation patterns according to some aspects of the disclosedtechnology.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example 3-D visualization of wireless signalpropagation including a location of client devices according to someaspects of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 11 shows an example computing system, which can be for example anycomputing device that can implement components of the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in detail below.While specific implementations are discussed, it should be understoodthat this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled inthe relevant art will recognize that other components and configurationsmay be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.Thus, the following description and drawings are illustrative and arenot to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are describedto provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, incertain instances, well-known or conventional details are not describedin order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or anembodiment in the present disclosure can be references to the sameembodiment or any embodiment; and, such references mean at least one ofthe embodiments.

Reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Theappearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in thespecification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment,nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of otherembodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may beexhibited by some embodiments and not by others.

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinarymeanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in thespecific context where each term is used. Alternative language andsynonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein,and no special significance should be placed upon whether or not a termis elaborated or discussed herein. In some cases, synonyms for certainterms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not excludethe use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in thisspecification including examples of any terms discussed herein isillustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope andmeaning of the disclosure or of any example term. Likewise, thedisclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in thisspecification.

Without intent to limit the scope of the disclosure, examples ofinstruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according tothe embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note thattitles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of areader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unlessotherwise defined, technical and scientific terms used herein have themeaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art towhich this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the presentdocument, including definitions will control.

Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forthin the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or can be learned by practice of the herein disclosedprinciples. The features and advantages of the disclosure can berealized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinationsparticularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and otherfeatures of the disclosure will become more fully apparent from thefollowing description and appended claims, or can be learned by thepractice of the principles set forth herein.

Various wireless network planning tools are available for analyzing,simulating, visualizing, and troubleshooting the wireless signalpropagation of the wireless network. Many such tools rely on techniciansto walk around on-site and place marking on the map to take measurementsthroughout the floor after deployment of a network. However, such toolsnot only require the physical presence of the technicians on-site formanually taking measurements, but also provide site surveys that do notaccurately reflect the wireless signal propagation, which may result ina less accurate 3-D visualization.

Therefore, there exists a need for 3-D visualization of Wi-Fi signalpropagation that accurately represents the wireless signal strength ofAPs and interferences between APs. The present technology includessystems, methods, and computer-readable media for solving these problemsand discrepancies. Specifically, systems, methods, and computer-readablemedia for providing a 3-D visualization of a Wi-Fi signal propagationincluding wireless signal strength of APs and interference fromneighboring APs are provided in the present disclosure.

Overview

The present technology includes systems, methods, and computer-readablemedia are provided for providing stimulation of W-Fi signal propagationin a 3-D visualization including wireless signal strength andinterferences.

According to at least one example of the present technology, a methodincludes identifying a plurality of APs in a 3-D space, determining awireless signal strength for each of the plurality of APs, anddetermining an interference with the wireless signal strength of each ofthe plurality of APs where the interference is caused by a neighboringAP of the plurality of APs in the 3-D space. The method further includespresenting a 3-D visualization of a wireless signal propagation patternrepresenting the wireless signal strength from each of the plurality ofAPs in the 3-D space and the interference from the neighboring AP. Thewireless signal propagation pattern includes partitioning of the 3-Dspace into one or more segments based on a degree of the wireless signalstrength and the interference from the neighboring AP.

In another example, a system for providing a 3-D visualization of aWi-Fi signal propagation pattern including wireless signal strength andinterference (e.g., 3-D signal propagation visualization system) isprovided that includes a storage (e.g., a memory configured to storedata, such as virtual content data, one or more images, etc.) and one ormore processors (e.g., implemented in circuitry) coupled to the memoryand configured to execute instructions and, in conjunction with variouscomponents (e.g., a network interface, a display, an output device,etc.), cause the one or more processors (e.g., a visualization service)to identify a plurality of APs in a 3-D space, determine a wirelesssignal strength for each of the plurality of APs, determine aninterference with the wireless signal strength of each of the pluralityof APs where the interference is caused by a neighboring AP of theplurality of APs in the 3-D space, and present a 3-D visualization of awireless signal propagation pattern representing the wireless signalstrength from each of the plurality of APs in the 3-D space and theinterference from the neighboring AP.

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereininstructions which, when executed by one or more processors (e.g., avisualization service), can cause the one or more processors to identifya plurality of APs in a 3-D space, determine a wireless signal strengthfor each of the plurality of APs, determine an interference with thewireless signal strength of each of the plurality of APs where theinterference is caused by a neighboring AP of the plurality of APs inthe 3-D space, and present a 3-D visualization of a wireless signalpropagation pattern representing the wireless signal strength from eachof the plurality of APs in the 3-D space and the interference from theneighboring AP.

Description

FIG. 1 illustrates an example 3-D signal propagation visualizationsystem 100 for presenting a wireless signal propagation in 3-D accordingto some aspects of the disclosed technology. As shown in FIG. 1 , the3-D signal propagation visualization system 100 can include one or moreservices primarily responsible for examining and analyzing signals froma plurality of access points (APs) 102A, 102B, 102C, . . .(collectively, 102), determining a signal propagation pattern for theAPs 102 based on a signal propagation model, and providing a 3-Dvisualization of the signal propagation pattern including analysis,troubleshooting, simulations, or optimizations of the signal propagationpattern.

The 3-D signal propagation visualization system 100 can include an APdatabase 104 that includes information about the plurality of APs 102,which are configured to transmit wireless communication signals. In someaspects, the information about the plurality of APs 102 can include, butis not limited to a location of APs 102 and their orientation (e.g.,azimuth and elevation angles), a model number, a signal strength,end-of-life data, an antenna type, a channel, a frequency (band), ornetwork information of which the APs 102 belong.

The 3-D signal propagation visualization system 100 can include an APmodel service 106 that is a collection of signal propagation models fordifferent types of AP antennae 102. In some examples, the signalpropagation model includes a description of the signal propagationpattern based on the information associated with the AP antennae 102.For example, such information can be provided by the AP database 104 orrelated to parameters derived from various configuration attributes andmeasurements such as transmission power (txPower), signal-to-noise ratio(SNR), Key Performance Indicator (KPI) values, or Received SignalStrength Indication (RSSI) values.

The 3-D signal propagation visualization system 100 can include avisualization service 108 configured to perform 3-D modeling, i.e.,display a 3-D visualization of the signal propagation pattern based onthe signal propagation model, the antenna pattern of the Wi-Fi AP, theconfiguration of the Wi-Fi AP (txPower, azimuth angle, elevation, bandand channel) and the geometry of a space as defined in a building plan.In some examples, the visualization service 108 can display the 3-Dvisualization of the signal propagation in the form of a heatmap, whichuses color-coding to represent different values of the signal strength.In some instances, the visualization service 108 can generate atime-based (temporal) visualization where changes in the signalpropagation pattern over time can be presented in the 3-D visualization.

The 3-D signal propagation visualization system 100 can also include aray tracing service 110 configured to perform ray tracing from aparticular AP. In some examples, the ray-tracing service 110 can computeattenuation based on the line-of-sight from a particular AP to a certainvertex in space. For example, ray tracing can be used to visualize thesignal propagation by tracing paths of electromagnetic waves andsimulating the way that the waves interact with any objects it may hit.If a straight line is drawn from a particular AP and does not hitanything in the space, then the signal propagation model works in astraightforward manner. On the other hand, if there is an obstacle(e.g., a wall, shelving, ceiling, etc.) along the path, the signalpropagation pattern can be broken into multiple segments since thesignal propagation pattern can change depending on the properties of theobstacle that the pattern has to pass through.

The 3-D signal propagation visualization system 100 can include atelemetry service 112 configured to collect and record data from theplurality of APs 102 or sensors on the floor pertaining to the APs 102in space. In some examples, the telemetry data can be used to updateinformation about a particular AP (e.g., model, antenna type, etc.) orfeed into the visualization service 108 to provide an optimized 3-Dvisualization instead of relying on a predicted model. In someinstances, the telemetry service 112 can utilize the telemetry data tovalidate a certain predicted model.

The 3-D signal propagation visualization system 100 can also include ananalysis service 114 that is configured to analyze data associated withthe wireless coverage such as SNR measurements, latency measurements, anumber of client devices associated with each of the APs, KPI values,txPower measurements, or RSSI measurements. In some instances, theanalysis service 114 can further perform analysis pertaining to dataassociated with one or more errors or constraints of the APs 102 thatcan impact the wireless coverage.

The 3-D signal propagation visualization system 100 can include atroubleshooting service 116 configured to perform various types oftroubleshooting by isolating and root-causing issues or errors relatingto the network performance and signal propagation pattern based on theAPs 102 and providing suggestions to resolve such issues or errors. Insome examples, the troubleshooting service 116 can identify both causeand consequences of the issues, for example, obstructions in the line ofsight, a level of signal coverage, a number of client devices connectedto APs, co-channel interference, or stickiness of roaming clients toAPs.

The 3-D signal propagation visualization system 100 can include anoptimization service 118 configured to provide a 3-D visualization ofthe optimized signal propagation pattern that provides betteroperational signal coverage and lower interference. In some examples,the optimization service 118 can provide an upgrade option for the APsor configuration settings to achieve improved network performance. Insome instances, the optimization service 118 can provide the optimized3-D visualization that illustrates dynamic changes as conditions in thenetwork change. In some examples, the optimization service 118 canpropose different optimized layouts by radio spectrum (RF) or deploymentof the APs for a given space.

The 3-D signal propagation visualization system 100 can also include asimulation service 120 configured to simulate various scenarios relatingto deployment of APs, potential network failures, estimated RF leakage,or alternative network configurations. In some instances, the simulationservice 120 can provide a simulated 3-D visualization of the variousproposed layouts provided by the optimization service 118.

In some examples, the simulation service 120 can provide a simulated 3-Dvisualization illustrating the impact of an alternative deployment ofAPs, for example, how the signal propagation pattern is impacted bydeploying a new or upgraded AP at different locations on the floor.Also, the simulation service 120 can simulate a 3-D visualization basedon the impact of an upgrade or different AP upgrade strategies prior tothe actual update to observe and compare the wireless coverage.

Furthermore, a type of materials of obstructions in the space cansignificantly impact the signal propagation pattern. The simulationservice 120 can provide a simulated visualization of the signalpropagation pattern depending on the type of materials of obstacles suchas walls or shelving, or what is stored on shelving (e.g., liquid,metal, non-metal, etc.).

Additionally, the simulation service 120 can provide a simulated 3-Dvisualization illustrating potential network failures. For example, thesimulation service 120 can help define coverage zones to avoid coverageblackout zones in common.

The 3-D signal propagation visualization system 100 can also include auser location service 122 configured to identify a location of a user(e.g., client device) and obtain data associated with the user/clientdevice to determine the signal propagation pattern. For example, aclient density can significantly affect the wireless network coverage.

In some examples, the user location identified by the user locationservice 122 can be combined with an AP coverage so that the 3-Dvisualization can include the impact of the client device such as anoperating system of client devices, client device density, or any RFinterference due to the presence of RF-emitting device (e.g., mobilephones, cordless phones, wireless security cameras, etc.).

In some examples, the user location service 122 can help to optimize thelatency and the signal propagation pattern by identifying the locationof client devices and the type of services that the client devices areperforming. For example, too many client devices performing VoIP callson the same AP can worsen the network performance and cause a bad callquality due to latencies. The 3-D visualization of the signalpropagation pattern can include the user location provided by the userlocation service 122 to illustrate such impact of the client devices onthe wireless network coverage.

The 3-D signal propagation visualization system 100 can also include abuilding plan design service 124 configured to allow a user to managethe settings of the building plan or the floor plan of the space (e.g.,layout, objects, viewpoint, etc.).

The 3-D signal propagation visualization system 100 can include abuilding plan import service 126 configured to import a building plan ora floor plan. The building plan or the floor plan can be in any suitableformat, for example, a Building Information Modeling (BIM) file or aComputer-Aided Design (CAD) file. In some examples, the building planimport service 126 can import the building plan or the floor plan thatcontains a technical drawing, blueprint, schematic, or 3-D rendering ofthe floor that is to be visualized in 3-D.

In some instances, the signal propagation pattern can be overlaid overthe building plan or the floor plan provided by the building plan importservice 126. Depending on the type of the imported file for the buildingplan, details of the building or the floor such as a type of materialsof the obstacles (e.g., a wall, etc.) or location of APs or sensors canfurther be included in the building plan.

The 3-D signal propagation visualization system 100 can also include abuilding plan layout service 128 configured to store the building planlayout and support the 3-D visualization of the building plan layout. Insome examples, the building plan layout service 128 can perform thefunction of a management and control platform for managing, monitoring,and storing data associated with the visualization based on the buildingplan.

The 3-D signal propagation visualization system 100 can also include auser interface service 130 configured to allow a user to manage andcontrol settings of the visualization or network configurations tooptimize the 3-D visualization. For example, the settings can include aviewpoint (e.g., a first-person perspective, an orbit view, or a bird'seye view), layout, parameters (e.g., txPower, SNR measurements, KPIvalues, RSSI values, etc.), or visualization options. Also, the examplesof network configurations can include but are not limited to elevationor azimuth angle of APs, deployment of APs, band and a type of networkor APs.

In some instances, the user interface service 130 can provideinformation to or receive feedback from the user via a communicationservice 132 as further described below. In some examples, the user maybe asked to evaluate and manage various suggestions proposed by thetroubleshooting service 116 or the optimization service 118.

The 3-D signal propagation visualization system 100 can also include acommunication service 132 configured to transmit and receive informationwirelessly over a network. In some examples, the communication service132 can send and receive communications from/to a building plan system(not shown) that may provide building plan updates. In some instances,the communication service 132 can transmit and receive data from/to auser for analyzing, troubleshooting, simulating, or optimizing the 3-Dvisualization of the signal propagation pattern.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example network architecture 140 for the 3-Dsignal propagation visualization system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1according to some aspects of the disclosed technology. The networkarchitecture 140 comprises a wireless network 150, sales tools 160, anetwork controller 170, a Wi-Fi 3D analyzer 180, and a user 190. In someembodiments, Wi-Fi 3D analyzer 180 executes on a client device and takesadvantage of hardware acceleration capabilities from a graphicsprocessor, but Wi-Fi 3D analyzer 180 can operate in other environmentssuch as a server or on a device with only general processingcapabilities, or in a cloud environment. Even though the networkcontroller 170 and Wi-Fi 3D analyzer 180 are illustrated as separatecomponents in FIG. 2 , in some examples, they can be a single device(i.e., the Wi-Fi 3D analyzer 180 is run on the network controller 70itself) or run in a virtualized cloud environment.

The wireless network 150 comprises APs 102 illustrated in FIG. 1 ,sensor(s), and user devices. The network controller 170 can include APdatabase 104, AP model service 106, telemetry service 112, user locationservice 122, building plan design service 124, building plan importservice 126, and building plan layout service 128, all of which areillustrated in FIG. 1 . The Wi-Fi 3D analyzer 180 can includevisualization service 108, analysis service 114, troubleshooting service116, optimizations service 118, simulation service 120, and userinterface service 130, all of which are also illustrated in FIG. 1 .

The wireless network 150 can transmit sensor data 152, assurance data154, and/or telemetry data 156 to the network controller 170. Thenetwork controller 170 can store such received data and can provide userinterfaces and APIs for receiving network configurations and updates.Network configurations can be used to provision 158 various devices inwireless network 150. Also, the network controller 170 can transmit livedata 172, 3-D maps 174 (e.g., 3-D building plans or floor plans), and/orhardware models 176 to the Wi-Fi 3D analyzer. While not shown in FIG. 2, alternatively, live data 172, 3-D maps 174, and/or hardware models 176can be exported to cloud instead of a local PC or GPU and provide user190 with insights 186.

The Wi-Fi 3D analyzer 180 can use the 3-D maps 174 and hardware models176 to generate predictions or simulations of wireless signalpropagation and their correlation with the live data 172. Based on thedata received from the network controller 170, the Wi-Fi 3-D analyzer180 can provide wireless 3-D rendering 182, simulation 184, and/orinsights 188 to the user 190. For example, the user can be provided withthe wireless 3-D rendering 182 of the wireless signal coverage (e.g., RFcoverage) and options to run simulations 184 for what-if scenarios, andinsights 186 including suggestions for improving the network performanceassociated with the wireless signal coverage. Based on what is providedby the Wi-Fi 3D analyzer 180, the user 190 can take action 188accordingly, for example, modifying a network configuration to improvethe network performance. Wi-Fi 3D analyzer 180 can forward any updatesto the network configuration for provisioning 178 to the networkcontroller 170.

Furthermore, the sales tools 160 can provide a product upgrademanagement based on the communication flow between the sales tools 160,the network controller 170, and the Wi-Fi 3D analyzer 180. The salestools 160 can transmit new products and lifecycle data 162 to thenetwork controller 170. Then the network controller 170 forwards the newproducts and lifecycle data 164 to the Wi-Fi 3D analyzer 180. The newproducts and lifecycle data 162 and 164 can include new productavailability for sale or end-of-life dates for AP products.

Based on the new products and lifecycle data 164, the Wi-Fi 3D analyzer180 can provide upgrade proposals 166, which can include simulation 184and insights 186 on product upgrade, to the user 190. Also, in responseto the upgrade proposals, the user 190 can place a new product order 168by utilizing the sales tools 160. For example, the new products andlifecycle data 162 can include end-of-life data associated with aparticular AP so that an upgrade or replacement of a new AP can berecommended based on the end-of-life data prior to the expiry of the AP.Also, the user 190 can place an order for a new AP with the sales tools160.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example network architecture diagram for awireless network 150, a network controller 170, and a Wi-Fi 3-D analyzer180 according to some aspects of the disclosed technology. The wirelessnetwork 150, also illustrated in FIG. 2 , comprises APs 102 and sensors103 and client devices 105.

The wireless network 150 can transmit telemetry feedback (for example,telemetry data 156 illustrated in FIG. 2 ) to the network controller170. For example, each AP 102 transmits beacons to the sensor 103whereby a sensor report can be generated. Also, the APs 102 communicatewith each other via inter-AP Neighbor Discovery Protocol (NDP) togenerate neighbor reports. Furthermore, client device 105 measuresbeacons and returns a report with stored beacon information (e.g.,802.11k beacon reports). Based on the neighbor reports, 802.11k beaconreports, and sensor reports, the wireless network 150 provides telemetryfeedback to the network controller 170. The telemetry feedback caninclude information about a distance and azimuth angle between a pair ofAPs or an AP and a sensor and walls or any obstructions between the pairon a building plan or a floor plan. Also, network controller 170includes location information of client devices based on RSSI location,which is received from the wireless network 150.

Based on the data provided by the wireless network 150, the networkcontroller 170 and the Wi-Fi 3-D analyzer 180 can determine a predictiveRSSI model and visualize the predicted RSSI at all 3-D locations.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example menu 200 including a list of variousparameters that can be adjusted for the 3-D visualization of thewireless signal propagation.

Menu 200 provides an option for key performance indicator (KPI) heatmapmetrics 202, for example, none, RSSI, SNR, or Interference. Depending onthe selected heatmap metrics, the 3-D visualization of the wirelesssignal propagation can be presented based on RSSI values, SNRmeasurements, or interference measurements. RSSI values are a predictedor measured power level at a point in space of an RF transmitted from anAP. Also, SNR measurements are based on the amplitude of signal andnoise level. Interference measurements or predictions are based on thepower of the interfering signals.

Menu 200 also provides an option for heatmap type 204, for example,point cloud, isosurface, or scanner. A point cloud heatmap provides the3-D visualization of the wireless signal propagation as a collection ofcolor-coded points where a color variation corresponds to a degree ofsignal strength. An isosurface heatmap displays the 3-D visualization ofthe wireless signal propagation with isosurfaces (e.g., contour lines orsurfaces) where each isosurface represents points of equal values in a3-D space. A scanner provides the 3-D visualization of the wirelesssignal propagation with color-coded bands where the color of the bandscorresponds to a degree of signal strength. Also, the scanner allows auser to manipulate a height in the 3-D space, for example, via a heightmanipulation bar under a cut height 208 so that the wireless signalpropagation pattern can be scanned through the 3-D space, for example,from a ground to a ceiling and visualized at varying heights.

Furthermore, a heatmap opacity 206 can be adjusted, for example, in ascale of 0 (i.e., non-transparent) to 100 (i.e., fully transparent) toadjust the transparency of the 3-D visualization.

Also, cut height (ft) 208 can be adjusted, for example, in a scale of 0to 10. A user can select a particular height where the 3-D visualizationis desired. Or, with a play button and a pause button, the 3-Dvisualization of the wireless signal propagation can be simulated atcontinuously varying heights from 0 ft to 10 ft.

Menu 200 also provides an option where a visualization of telemetry data210 can be switched on and off. Also, telemetry threshold 212 can beadjusted, for example, in a scale of −100 to −35.

Furthermore, menu 200 provides an option for a RF Model selection 214.For example, a drop-down list provides various options for the RF modelsuch as cubes and walled offices, drywall offices, or open space.

While not shown in FIG. 4 , menu 200 can include different oralternative options. For example, menu 200 could include an option forclipping a 3-D floor plan to take cross-sections of the floor plan toallow clear visualization of an area of interest. Menu 200 could includean adjustable noise floor to be used in calculating a signal-to-noiseratio (SNR). Menu 200 could include an option to change the model of APbeing visualized to permit comparisons between various hardware options.Menu 200 could include an option to adjust the frequency band from 2.4GHz to 5 GHz to visualize attributes associated with RF propagation atthose frequencies. The 2.4 GHz band typically provides a greaterdistance of coverage, while the 5 GHz band typically provides fastercommunication speeds. Menu 200 can include antennae options that mightpermit visualizations using directional antennas or omnidirectionalantennas. Menu 200 could provide options for adjusting transmissionpower of an antenna, or a channel. Menu 200 could also provide varioussliders for visualizing animations such as a time scale. Accordingly,the menu can provide many options that can vary depending on the type ofvisualization being presented.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example 3-D visualization 300 of Wi-Fi AP RFsignal propagation. In the 3-D visualization 300, the 3-D visualizationof a building plan (e.g., floor plan) is overlaid with RF propagationpatterns. As shown in FIG. 5 , the 3-D visualization 300 illustrates theRF signal propagation patterns as a collection of zones 302 where eachzone represents a service area covered by each AP 102 (e.g., AP 102illustrated in FIG. 1 ). Each zone is in the shape of a dome toillustrate a signal strength in the service area in 3-D instead of asimple flat layer in 2-D. Furthermore, the color and size of the domescorrespond to a degree of signal strength from the AP in the servicearea. The dome shape acknowledges that the RF propagation from an AP isnot uniform at all heights of a floor plan.

Even though the 3-D visualization 300 of Wi-Fi AP RF signal propagationin FIG. 5 uses a color-coded dome model, the 3-D visualization of the RFsignal propagation according to the present disclosure can be providedin the form of a point cloud model, a heat map, or a contour map toillustrate the degree of signal strength in the 3-D space.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example method 600 for providing a 3-Dvisualization of wireless signal propagation representing wirelesssignal strength and interference in the 3-D space. Although the examplemethod 600 depicts a particular sequence of operations, the sequence maybe altered without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.For example, some of the operations depicted may be performed inparallel or in a different sequence that does not materially affect thefunction of the method 600. In other examples, different components ofan example device or system that implements the method 600 may performfunctions at substantially the same time or in a specific sequence.

According to some examples, the method 600 includes identifying aplurality of APs in 3-D space at step 610. For example, thevisualization service 108 illustrated in FIG. 1 may identify a pluralityof APs in a 3-D space.

According to some examples, the method 600 includes determining awireless signal strength for each of the plurality of APs at step 620.In some instances, the wireless signal strength for each of theplurality of APs can be determined by calculating a RF propagationpattern for each of the APs. For example, the visualization service 108illustrated in FIG. 1 may determine a wireless signal strength for eachof the plurality of APs, for example, by calculating a RF propagationpattern for each of the plurality of APs.

In some examples, the visualization service 108 illustrated in FIG. 1may calculate a RF propagation pattern for at least one Wi-Fi AP 102based on a RF propagation model for the at least one Wi-Fi AP, theantenna pattern of the Wi-Fi AP, the configuration of the Wi-Fi AP(txPower, azimuth angle, elevation, band, and channel), and the geometryof a space as defined in a building plan.

An example method 700 for the calculating the 3-D RF propagation patternis illustrated in FIG. 7 . The method 700 includes projecting aplurality of ray-paths in a plurality of directions in a 3-D space atblock 710. For example, the ray tracing service 110 illustrated in FIG.1 may project a plurality of ray-paths in a plurality of directions in a3-D space. In some embodiments, the ray-paths originate from the Wi-FiAP and emanate in a variety of X, Y, and Z planes.

The method 700 includes determining whether the ray-paths interface witha building material defined in a building plan at block 720. Forexample, the ray tracing service 110 illustrated in FIG. 1 may determinewhether the ray-paths interface with a building material defined in abuilding plan.

The method 700 includes segmenting each ray-path of the ray-paths thatinterface with a building material the respective ray-path intocontiguous segments of substantially uniform mediums at block 730. Forexample, the ray tracing service 110 illustrated in FIG. 1 may segmentthe respective ray-path into contiguous segments of substantiallyuniform mediums.

The ray tracing service 110 can provide the segmented ray paths to an APmodel service 106. The combination of the collection of ray paths forany AP and model information from AP model service 106 can be providedto visualization service 108.

The method 700 includes determining a RF signal strength at points alongthe segments of the ray-paths at block 740. For example, thevisualization service 108 illustrated in FIG. 1 may determine a RFsignal strength at points along the segments of the ray-paths. Thevisualization service 108 can use the information about the collectionof ray paths for any AP and a RF propagation model particular to thetype of AP and the parameters for the specification AP to determine theRF signal strength at points along the segments of the ray-paths. Insome embodiments, the signal degrades along the ray path as defined bythe RF propagation model as a function of distance through the segmentand characteristics of RF propagation pattern through the substantiallyuniform mediums through which the segment traverses.

In some examples, the substantially uniform mediums include open space,concrete, glass, wood, metal, non-metal, glass, liquid, or othermaterials. Depending on the type of materials, the ray-path interfacesin a different way, which results in varying RF signal strengths atpoints along the segments.

Furthermore, according to some examples, the method 600 includesdetermining an interference or attenuation of the wireless signalstrength for each of the plurality of APs at step 630. For example, thevisualization service 108 illustrated in FIG. 1 may determine aninterference or attenuation of the wireless signal strength of each ofthe plurality of APs. In some examples, the interference or attenuationis caused by a neighboring AP of the plurality of APs in the 3-D space.

In some instances, the determining the interference or attenuation ofthe wireless signal strength, for example between a first AP and asecond AP of the plurality of APs may include determining informationassociated with a band or a channel of the first and second APs, forexample, whether both APs are using the same band and whether they areon the same channel or on overlapping channels, etc.

In an example of the determining the interference or attenuation of thewireless strength of each of the plurality of APs at step 630, themethod 600 comprises determining a distance and an angle (e.g., azimuthangle) between a first AP and a second AP of the plurality of APs. Forexample, the visualization service 108 illustrated in FIG. 1 maydetermine a distance and an angle between a first AP and a second AP ofthe plurality of APs. In some examples, the first AP is a neighboring APof the second AP in the 3-D space.

Further, the method 600 comprises determining a signal strength withinan area defined by the distance and the angle between the first AP andthe second AP to determine the interference or attenuation of thewireless signal strength for each of the plurality of APs caused by oneor more neighboring APs. For example, the visualization service 108illustrated in FIG. 1 may determine a signal strength within an areadefined by the distance and the angle between the first AP and thesecond AP to determine the interference or attenuation of the wirelesssignal strength of each of the plurality of APs caused by one or moreneighboring APs.

In some instances, the distance and azimuth angle between APs or a pairof an AP and a sensor can further provide telemetry information, whichcan be used to update a path loss model for 3-D visualization of thewireless signal propagation. In some examples, the path loss model canbe used to compute the decrease in the power of a wireless signal (i.e.,wireless signal strength) or to compute attenuation along aline-of-sight propagation path.

FIG. 8 is an example workflow 800 for providing received signal strengthindicators (RSSIs) with telemetry feedback according to some aspects ofthe disclosed technology. In particular, the workflow 800 providesaccurate RSSI prediction that changes dynamically as conditions in thenetwork change by leveraging telemetry feedback, for example, based onthe distance or azimuth angle between APs or AP/sensor.

According to some examples, the workflow 800 comprises various stages ofdeployment 810, measurement 820, update 830, and visualization 840. Insome examples, according to the workflow 800, the wireless network 150can transmit telemetry feedback to the network controller 170 asillustrated in FIG. 3 . For example, APs 102 and sensors 103 can sendtelemetry data to the network controller 170 based on neighbor reports,802.11k beacon reports, and sensor reports as shown in FIG. 3 .Furthermore, per AP 102 at the azimuth angle where there are telemetrymeasurements, the path loss model can be updated based on the distance,azimuth angle, walls, or large obstructions on the map. The updated pathloss model then can be used to visualize the predicted RSSIs at all 3-Dlocations. Details of each stage are described below and in FIG. 8 .

In the deployment stage 810, APs, sensors, wireless LAN controller(WLC), and 3-D wireless signal propagation visualization system (e.g.,3-D signal propagation visualization system 100 as illustrated in FIG. 1) can be deployed and configured. Also, APs and sensors have knownlocations on a map of the space to be visualized. Default path lossmodels can be loaded and used to predict RSSI at each 3-D point in thespace. Furthermore, information or data associated with any walls orobstacles can be imported to the 3-D wireless signal propagationvisualization system (e.g., 3-D signal propagation visualization system100 as illustrated in FIG. 1 ) via a floorplan or a building plan of thespace.

In the measurement stage 820, AP radios can observe neighbor discoverypackets and/or beacons from other APs. Moreover, sensors can collectinformation associated with RSSI of Neighbor Discovery Protocols (NDPs)and beacons of nearby or neighboring APs. Also, in the measurement stage820, clients (e.g., client devices 105 as illustrated in FIG. 3 ) cancollect beacon RSSI information and report to the network periodically.The location of the clients (e.g., client devices 105 as illustrated inFIG. 3 ) can be estimated in 3-D wireless signal propagationvisualization system (e.g., 3-D signal propagation visualization system100 as illustrated in FIG. 1 ).

In the update stage 830, for a pair of APs or AP/sensor telemetry, the3-D wireless signal propagation visualization system (e.g., 3-D signalpropagation visualization system 100 as illustrated in FIG. 1 ) can lookat the ray between the devices to identify intersected walls. In someexamples, the distance from the AP to the walls can set the breakpointsin the path loss (PL) model. In some instances, the exponents can beupdated to minimize the error of the fit to the data for the azimuthangle. For each AP, azimuth angles that do not have measurements can beinterpolated from those that have measurements.

In the visualization stage 840, the updated path loss model can beapplied per azimuth angle to predict RSSI and render the 3-Dvisualization.

According to some examples, the method 600 includes presenting a 3-Dvisualization of a wireless signal propagation pattern representing thewireless signal strength from each of the plurality of APs in the 3-Dspace and the interference from the neighboring AP at step 640. Forexample, the visualization service 108 illustrated in FIG. 1 may presenta 3-D visualization of a wireless signal propagation patternrepresenting the wireless signal strength from each of the plurality ofAPs in the 3-D space and the interference from the neighboring AP orattenuation caused by the neighboring APs. In some examples, thewireless signal propagation pattern includes partitioning of the 3-Dspace into one or more segments based on a degree of the wireless signalstrength and the interference from the neighboring AP.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example 3-D visualization 900 of wireless signalpropagation patterns where the wireless signal propagation patternincludes partitioning of the 3-D space into one or more segments 910-930based on a degree of the wireless signal strength for APs 102 accordingto some aspects of the disclosed technology.

In some instances, the 3-D visualization 900 of wireless signalpropagation patterns can include user interface 904 configured to allowa user to adjust a threshold to simulate the change of the wirelesssignal propagation based on varying thresholds.

According to some examples, the method 600 includes partitioning the 3-Dspace into one or more zones based on wireless signal propagationpatterns and taking into account the wireless signal strength of APs,attenuation, and/or interferences caused by neighboring APs. Forexample, the visualization service 108 illustrated in FIG. 1 maypartition the 3-D space into one or more zones based on wireless signalpropagation patterns and taking into account the wireless signalstrengths of APs, attenuation, and/or interferences. Such partitioningcan help with site surveys where an area with poor wireless signalpropagation or high radio frequency density can be identified forinspection. In some examples, the partitioning of the 3-D space into oneor more zones can be based on a number of APs or a number of clientdevices per each of the one or more zones.

In some instances, the 3-D visualization of wireless signal propagationpatterns including the partitioning of the 3-D space into one or morezones can provide statistical information of each of the one or morezones so that personnel can focus on certain zones where more inspectionis desired based on the statistical information. In some examples, thestatistical information can include data associated with APs or clientdevices connected to APs within the one or analysis of networkconfiguration or network performance.

In some examples, the method 600 comprises marking a portion of the oneor more segments if the wireless signal propagation pattern at theportion is smaller than a threshold. For example, the visualizationservice 108 illustrated in FIG. 1 may mark a portion of the one or moresegments if the wireless signal propagation pattern at the portion issmaller than a threshold. As shown in FIG. 9 , the 3-D visualization 900of wireless signal propagation patterns can include markings, forexample, in a different pattern or a color, to identify areas 930 thathave poor wireless signal propagation.

In some instances, the method 600 comprises providing one or moresuggestions to improve the wireless signal strength, for example, inareas where the wireless signal propagation pattern is smaller than athreshold. For example, the optimization service 118 or troubleshootingservice 118 as illustrated in FIG. 1 can provide one or more suggestionsto improve the wireless signal strength in areas where the wirelesssignal propagation pattern is smaller than a threshold. In someexamples, the one or more suggestions include modifying a configurationof APs 102, modifying deployment of APs 102, or upgrade or change of APs102.

In some examples, the method 600 comprises modifying a configuration ofone or more AP s within the portion of which the wireless signalpropagation pattern is smaller than the threshold. For example, thevisualization service 108 illustrated in FIG. 1 may modify aconfiguration of one or more APs within the portion of which thewireless signal propagation pattern is smaller than the threshold.

According to some examples, the method 600 comprises receiving dataassociated with client devices in the 3-D space. For example, thevisualization service 108 illustrated in FIG. 1 may receive dataassociated with client devices in the 3-D space. In some examples, thedata associated with the client devices includes at least one of alocation of the client devices in the 3-D space, a number of the clientdevices in each of the one or more segments, received signal strengthindicators (RSSIs) from the client devices, and a type of networkservices used by the client devices (e.g., VoIP calls, video, etc.).

Further, the method comprises updating the 3-D visualization of thewireless signal propagation pattern based on the data associated withthe client devices in the 3-D space. For example, the visualizationservice 108 illustrated in FIG. 1 may update the 3-D visualization ofthe wireless signal propagation pattern based on the data associatedwith the client devices in the 3-D space.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example 3-D visualization 1000 of wireless signalpropagation for each of a plurality of APs 102 including a location ofclient devices 105 according to some aspects of the disclosedtechnology. In some examples, the 3-D visualization 1000 of wirelesssignal propagation can include visual identifiers of the location ofclient devices 105. For example, the visualization service 108illustrated in FIG. 1 can include visual identifiers of the location ofclient devices 105 in the 3-D visualization of wireless signalpropagation.

In some examples, the 3-D visualization 1000 of wireless signalpropagation can further include a notification box (not shown) providingdata associated with APs 102 or client devices 105, per AP, clientdevice, segment, or zone, so that the network performance can beanalyzed based on the data provided in the notification box.

In some examples, the 3-D visualization 1000 of wireless signalpropagation can include user interface 1004 configured to allow a userto adjust a threshold to simulate the change of the wireless signalpropagation based on varying thresholds. For example, the 3-D space canbe divided into one or more zones 1010, 1020, and 1030 and representedin different colors, patterns, or other indicators depending on thethresholds.

FIG. 11 shows an example of computing system 1100, which can be forexample any computing device making up 3-D signal propagationvisualization system 100, or any component thereof in which thecomponents of the system are in communication with each other usingconnection 1105. Connection 1105 can be a physical connection via a bus,or a direct connection into processor 1110, such as in a chipsetarchitecture. Connection 1105 can also be a virtual connection,networked connection, or logical connection.

In some embodiments computing system 1100 is a distributed system inwhich the functions described in this disclosure can be distributedwithin a datacenter, multiple datacenters, a peer network, etc. In someembodiments, one or more of the described system components representsmany such components each performing some or all of the function forwhich the component is described. In some embodiments, the componentscan be physical or virtual devices.

Example system 1100 includes at least one processing unit (CPU orprocessor) 1110 and connection 1105 that couples various systemcomponents including system memory 1115, such as read only memory (ROM)1120 and random access memory (RAM) 1125 to processor 1110. Computingsystem 1100 can include a cache of high-speed memory 1112 connecteddirectly with, in close proximity to, or integrated as part of processor1110.

Processor 1110 can include any general purpose processor and a hardwareservice or software service, such as services 1132, 1134, and 1136stored in storage device 1130, configured to control processor 1110 aswell as a special-purpose processor where software instructions areincorporated into the actual processor design. Processor 1110 mayessentially be a completely self-contained computing system, containingmultiple cores or processors, a bus, memory controller, cache, etc. Amulti-core processor may be symmetric or asymmetric.

To enable user interaction, computing system 1100 includes an inputdevice 1145, which can represent any number of input mechanisms, such asa microphone for speech, a touch-sensitive screen for gesture orgraphical input, keyboard, mouse, motion input, speech, etc. Computingsystem 1100 can also include output device 1135, which can be one ormore of a number of output mechanisms known to those of skill in theart. In some instances, multimodal systems can enable a user to providemultiple types of input/output to communicate with computing system1100. Computing system 1100 can include communications interface 1140,which can generally govern and manage the user input and system output.There is no restriction on operating on any particular hardwarearrangement and therefore the basic features here may easily besubstituted for improved hardware or firmware arrangements as they aredeveloped.

Storage device 1130 can be a non-volatile memory device and can be ahard disk or other types of computer readable media which can store datathat are accessible by a computer, such as magnetic cassettes, flashmemory cards, solid state memory devices, digital versatile disks,cartridges, random access memories (RAMs), read only memory (ROM),and/or some combination of these devices.

The storage device 1130 can include software services, servers,services, etc., that when the code that defines such software isexecuted by the processor 1110, it causes the system to perform afunction. In some embodiments, a hardware service that performs aparticular function can include the software component stored in acomputer-readable medium in connection with the necessary hardwarecomponents, such as processor 1110, connection 1105, output device 1135,etc., to carry out the function.

For clarity of explanation, in some instances the present technology maybe presented as including individual functional blocks includingfunctional blocks comprising devices, device components, steps orroutines in a method embodied in software, or combinations of hardwareand software.

Any of the steps, operations, functions, or processes described hereinmay be performed or implemented by a combination of hardware andsoftware services or services, alone or in combination with otherdevices. In some embodiments, a service can be software that resides inmemory of a client device and/or one or more servers of a contentmanagement system and perform one or more functions when a processorexecutes the software associated with the service. In some embodiments,a service is a program, or a collection of programs that carry out aspecific function. In some embodiments, a service can be considered aserver. The memory can be a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

In some embodiments the computer-readable storage devices, mediums, andmemories can include a cable or wireless signal containing a bit streamand the like. However, when mentioned, non-transitory computer-readablestorage media expressly exclude media such as energy, carrier signals,electromagnetic waves, and signals per se.

Methods according to the above-described examples can be implementedusing computer-executable instructions that are stored or otherwiseavailable from computer readable media. Such instructions can comprise,for example, instructions and data which cause or otherwise configure ageneral purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purposeprocessing device to perform a certain function or group of functions.Portions of computer resources used can be accessible over a network.The computer executable instructions may be, for example, binaries,intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, firmware, orsource code. Examples of computer-readable media that may be used tostore instructions, information used, and/or information created duringmethods according to described examples include magnetic or opticaldisks, solid state memory devices, flash memory, USB devices providedwith non-volatile memory, networked storage devices, and so on.

Devices implementing methods according to these disclosures can comprisehardware, firmware and/or software, and can take any of a variety ofform factors. Typical examples of such form factors include servers,laptops, smart phones, small form factor personal computers, personaldigital assistants, and so on. Functionality described herein also canbe embodied in peripherals or add-in cards. Such functionality can alsobe implemented on a circuit board among different chips or differentprocesses executing in a single device, by way of further example.

The instructions, media for conveying such instructions, computingresources for executing them, and other structures for supporting suchcomputing resources are means for providing the functions described inthese disclosures.

Although a variety of examples and other information was used to explainaspects within the scope of the appended claims, no limitation of theclaims should be implied based on particular features or arrangements insuch examples, as one of ordinary skill would be able to use theseexamples to derive a wide variety of implementations. Further andalthough some subject matter may have been described in languagespecific to examples of structural features and/or method steps, it isto be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claimsis not necessarily limited to these described features or acts. Forexample, such functionality can be distributed differently or performedin components other than those identified herein. Rather, the describedfeatures and steps are disclosed as examples of components of systemsand methods within the scope of the appended claims.

Claim language or other language reciting “at least one of” a set and/or“one or more” of a set indicates that one member of the set or multiplemembers of the set (in any combination) satisfy the claim. For example,claim language reciting “at least one of A and B” or “at least one of Aor B” means A, B, or A and B. In another example, claim languagereciting “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C”means A, B, C, or A and B, or A and C, or B and C, or A and B and C. Thelanguage “at least one of” a set and/or “one or more” of a set does notlimit the set to the items listed in the set. For example, claimlanguage reciting “at least one of A and B” or “at least one of A or B”can mean A, B, or A and B, and can additionally include items not listedin the set of A and B.

Illustrative examples of the disclosure include:

Aspect 1: A method comprising: identifying a plurality of access pointsin a 3-D space; determining a wireless signal strength for each of theplurality of access points; determining an interference with thewireless signal strength of each of the plurality of access points,wherein the interference is caused by a neighboring access point of theplurality of access points in the 3-D space; and presenting a 3-Dvisualization of a wireless signal propagation pattern representing thewireless signal strength from each of the plurality of access points inthe 3-D space and the interference from the neighboring access point,wherein the wireless signal propagation pattern includes partitioning ofthe 3-D space into one or more segments based on a degree of thewireless signal strength and the interference from the neighboringaccess point.

Aspect 2: The method of Aspect 1, wherein the determining the wirelesssignal strength for each of the plurality of access points includes:projecting a plurality of ray-paths in a plurality of directions in the3-D space, wherein the ray-paths originate from each of the plurality ofaccess points and emanate in a variety of X, Y, and Z planes;determining whether the ray-paths interface with one or more materialsdefined in a building plan; for each ray-path of the ray-paths thatinterface with the one or more materials defined in the building plan,segmenting the respective ray-path into contiguous segments ofsubstantially uniform mediums; and determining the wireless signalstrength at points along the contiguous segments of the ray-paths,wherein the wireless signal strength degrades along the contiguoussegments of the ray-paths as defined by a wireless signal propagationmodel as a function of distance through the contiguous segments andcharacteristics of the wireless signal strength through thesubstantially uniform mediums through which the contiguous segmentstraverse.

Aspect 3: The method of any of Aspects 1 to 2, wherein the determiningof the interference from the neighboring access point includes:determining a distance and an angle between a first access point and asecond access point of the plurality of access points, wherein the firstaccess point is the neighboring access point of the second access point;and determining a signal strength within an area defined by the distanceand the angle between the first access point and the second accesspoint.

Aspect 4: The method of any of Aspects 1 to 3, further comprising:marking a portion of the one or more segments if the wireless signalpropagation pattern at the portion is smaller than a threshold.

Aspect 5: The method of any of Aspects 1 to 4, further comprising:modifying a configuration of one or more access points within theportion of which the wireless signal propagation pattern is smaller thanthe threshold.

Aspect 6: The method of any of Aspects 1 to 5, further comprising:receiving data associated with client devices in the 3-D space; andupdating the 3-D visualization of the wireless signal propagationpattern based on the data associated with the client devices in the 3-Dspace.

Aspect 7: The method of any of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein the dataassociated with the client devices includes at least one of a locationof the client devices in the 3-D space, a number of the client devicesin each of the one or more segments, received signal strength indicators(RSSIs) from the client devices, and a type of network services used bythe client devices.

Aspect 9: A system comprising: a storage configured to storeinstructions; and a processor configured to execute the instructions andcause the processor to: identify a plurality of access points in a 3-Dspace, determine a wireless signal strength for each of the plurality ofaccess points, determine an interference with the wireless signalstrength of each of the plurality of access points, wherein theinterference is caused by a neighboring access point of the plurality ofaccess points in the 3-D space, and present a 3-D visualization of awireless signal propagation pattern representing the wireless signalstrength from each of the plurality of access points in the 3-D spaceand the interference from the neighboring access point, wherein thewireless signal propagation pattern includes partitioning of the 3-Dspace into one or more segments based on a degree of the wireless signalstrength and the interference from the neighboring access point.

Aspect 10: The system of Aspect 9, wherein the processor is configuredto execute the instructions and cause the processor to: project aplurality of ray-paths in a plurality of directions in the 3-D space,wherein the ray-paths originate from each of the plurality of accesspoints and emanate in a variety of X, Y, and Z planes; determine whetherthe ray-paths interface with one or more materials defined in a buildingplan; for each ray-path of the ray-paths that interface with the one ormore materials defined in the building plan, segment the respectiveray-path into contiguous segments of substantially uniform mediums; anddetermine the wireless signal strength at points along the contiguoussegments of the ray-paths, wherein the wireless signal strength degradesalong the contiguous segments of the ray-paths as defined by a wirelesssignal propagation model as a function of distance through thecontiguous segments and characteristics of the wireless signal strengththrough the substantially uniform mediums through which the contiguoussegments traverse.

Aspect 11: The system of any of Aspects 9 to 10, wherein the processoris configured to execute the instructions and cause the processor to:determine a distance and an angle between a first access point and asecond access point of the plurality of access points, wherein the firstaccess point is the neighboring access point of the second access point;and determine a signal strength within an area defined by the distanceand the angle between the first access point and the second accesspoint.

Aspect 12: The system of any of Aspects 9 to 11, wherein the processoris configured to execute the instructions and cause the processor to:mark a portion of the one or more segments if the wireless signalpropagation pattern at the portion is smaller than a threshold.

Aspect 13: The system of any of Aspects 9 to 12, wherein the processoris configured to execute the instructions and cause the processor to:modify a configuration of one or more access points within the portionof which the wireless signal propagation pattern is smaller than thethreshold.

Aspect 14: The system of any of Aspects 9 to 13, wherein the processoris configured to execute the instructions and cause the processor to:receive data associated with client devices in the 3-D space; and updatethe 3-D visualization of the wireless signal propagation pattern basedon the data associated with the client devices in the 3-D space.

Aspect 15: The system of any of Aspects 9 to 14, wherein the dataassociated with the client devices includes at least one of a locationof the client devices in the 3-D space, a number of the client devicesin each of the one or more segments, received signal strength indicators(RSSIs) from the client devices, and a type of network services used bythe client devices.

Aspect 17: A non-transitory computer readable medium comprisinginstructions, the instructions, when executed by a computing system,cause the computing system to: identify a plurality of access points ina 3-D space; determine a wireless signal strength for each of theplurality of access points; determine an interference with the wirelesssignal strength of each of the plurality of access points, wherein theinterference is caused by a neighboring access point of the plurality ofaccess points in the 3-D space; and present a 3-D visualization of awireless signal propagation pattern representing the wireless signalstrength from each of the plurality of access points in the 3-D spaceand the interference from the neighboring access point, wherein thewireless signal propagation pattern includes partitioning of the 3-Dspace into one or more segments based on a degree of the wireless signalstrength and the interference from the neighboring access point.

Aspect 18: The computer readable medium of Aspect 17, wherein thecomputer readable medium further comprises instructions that, whenexecuted by the computing system, cause the computing system to: projecta plurality of ray-paths in a plurality of directions in the 3-D space,wherein the ray-paths originate from each of the plurality of accesspoints and emanate in a variety of X, Y, and Z planes; determine whetherthe ray-paths interface with one or more materials defined in a buildingplan; for each ray-path of the ray-paths that interface with the one ormore materials defined in the building plan, segment the respectiveray-path into contiguous segments of substantially uniform mediums; anddetermine the wireless signal strength at points along the contiguoussegments of the ray-paths, wherein the wireless signal strength degradesalong the contiguous segments of the ray-paths as defined by a wirelesssignal propagation model as a function of distance through thecontiguous segments and characteristics of the wireless signal strengththrough the substantially uniform mediums through which the contiguoussegments traverse.

Aspect 19: The computer readable medium of any of Aspects 17 to 18,wherein the computer readable medium further comprises instructionsthat, when executed by the computing system, cause the computing systemto: determine a distance and an angle between a first access point and asecond access point of the plurality of access points, wherein the firstaccess point is the neighboring access point of the second access point;and determine a signal strength within an area defined by the distanceand the angle between the first access point and the second accesspoint.

Aspect 20: The computer readable medium of any of Aspects 17 to 19,wherein the computer readable medium further comprises instructionsthat, when executed by the computing system, cause the computing systemto: mark a portion of the one or more segments if the wireless signalpropagation pattern at the portion is smaller than a threshold.

Aspect 21: The computer readable medium of any of Aspects 17 to 20,wherein the computer readable medium further comprises instructionsthat, when executed by the computing system, cause the computing systemto: modify a configuration of one or more access points within theportion of which the wireless signal propagation pattern is smaller thanthe threshold.

Aspect 22: The computer readable medium of any of Aspects 17 to 21,wherein the computer readable medium further comprises instructionsthat, when executed by the computing system, cause the computing systemto: receive data associated with client devices in the 3-D space; andupdate the 3-D visualization of the wireless signal propagation patternbased on the data associated with the client devices in the 3-D space.

Aspect 23: The computer readable medium of any of Aspects 17 to 22, thedata associated with the client devices includes at least one of alocation of the client devices in the 3-D space, a number of the clientdevices in each of the one or more segments, received signal strengthindicators (RSSIs) from the client devices, and a type of networkservices used by the client devices.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: identifying a plurality ofaccess points in a 3-D space; determining a wireless signal strength foreach of the plurality of access points; determining an interference withthe wireless signal strength of each of the plurality of access pointsby: determining a distance and an angle between a respective accesspoint of and a neighboring access point, and determining a signalstrength within an area defined by the distance and the angle, whereinthe interference is caused by the neighboring access point of theplurality of access points in the 3-D space; and presenting a 3-Dvisualization of a wireless signal propagation pattern representing thewireless signal strength from each of the plurality of access points inthe 3-D space and the interference from the neighboring access point,wherein the wireless signal propagation pattern includes partitioning ofthe 3-D space into one or more segments based on a degree of thewireless signal strength and the interference from the neighboringaccess point, and wherein the 3-D space is visualized as a buildingplan.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining the wirelesssignal strength for each of the plurality of access points includes:projecting a plurality of ray-paths in a plurality of directions in the3-D space, wherein the ray-paths originate from each of the plurality ofaccess points and emanate in a variety of X, Y, and Z planes;determining whether the ray-paths interface with one or more materialsdefined in the building plan; for each ray-path of the ray-paths thatinterface with the one or more materials defined in the building plan,segmenting the respective ray-path into contiguous segments ofsubstantially uniform mediums; and determining the wireless signalstrength at points along the contiguous segments of the ray-paths,wherein the wireless signal strength degrades along the contiguoussegments of the ray-paths as defined by a wireless signal propagationmodel as a function of distance through the contiguous segments andcharacteristics of the wireless signal strength through thesubstantially uniform mediums through which the contiguous segmentstraverse.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: marking aportion of the one or more segments if the wireless signal propagationpattern at the portion is smaller than a threshold.
 4. The method ofclaim 3, further comprising: modifying a configuration of one or moreaccess points within the portion of which the wireless signalpropagation pattern is smaller than the threshold.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: receiving data associated with clientdevices in the 3-D space; and updating the 3-D visualization of thewireless signal propagation pattern based on the data associated withthe client devices in the 3-D space.
 6. The method of claim 5, whereinthe data associated with the client devices includes at least one of alocation of the client devices in the 3-D space, a number of the clientdevices in each of the one or more segments, received signal strengthindicators (RSSIs) from the client devices, and a type of networkservices used by the client devices.
 7. The method of claim 1, whereindetermining the interference with the wireless signal strength of eachof the plurality of access points includes determining informationassociated with a band or a channel of the plurality of access points.8. A system comprising: a storage configured to store instructions; anda processor configured to execute the instructions and cause theprocessor to: identify a plurality of access points in a 3-D space,determine a wireless signal strength for each of the plurality of accesspoints, determine an interference with the wireless signal strength ofeach of the plurality of access points by: determining a distance and anangle between a respective access point and a neighboring access point,and determining a signal strength within an area defined by the distanceand the angle, wherein the interference is caused by the neighboringaccess point of the plurality of access points in the 3-D space, andpresent a 3-D visualization of a wireless signal propagation patternrepresenting the wireless signal strength from each of the plurality ofaccess points in the 3-D space and the interference from the neighboringaccess point, wherein the wireless signal propagation pattern includespartitioning of the 3-D space into one or more segments based on adegree of the wireless signal strength and the interference from theneighboring access point, and wherein the 3-D space is visualized as abuilding plan.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the processor isconfigured to execute the instructions and cause the processor to:project a plurality of ray-paths in a plurality of directions in the 3-Dspace, wherein the ray-paths originate from each of the plurality ofaccess points and emanate in a variety of X, Y, and Z planes; determinewhether the ray-paths interface with one or more materials defined inthe building plan; for each ray-path of the ray-paths that interfacewith the one or more materials defined in the building plan, segmentingthe respective ray-path into contiguous segments of substantiallyuniform mediums; and determine the wireless signal strength at pointsalong the contiguous segments of the ray-paths, wherein the wirelesssignal strength degrades along the contiguous segments of the ray-pathsas defined by a wireless signal propagation model as a function ofdistance through the contiguous segments and characteristics of thewireless signal strength through the substantially uniform mediumsthrough which the contiguous segments traverse.
 10. The system of claim8, wherein the processor is configured to execute the instructions andcause the processor to: mark a portion of the one or more segments ifthe wireless signal propagation pattern at the portion is smaller than athreshold.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the processor isconfigured to execute the instructions and cause the processor to:modify a configuration of one or more access points within the portionof which the wireless signal propagation pattern is smaller than thethreshold.
 12. The system of claim 8, wherein the processor isconfigured to execute the instructions and cause the processor to:receive data associated with client devices in the 3-D space; and updatethe 3-D visualization of the wireless signal propagation pattern basedon the data associated with the client devices in the 3-D space.
 13. Thesystem of claim 12, wherein the data associated with the client devicesincludes at least one of a location of the client devices in the 3-Dspace, a number of the client devices in each of the one or moresegments, received signal strength indicators (RSSIs) from the clientdevices, and a type of network services used by the client devices. 14.A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions, theinstructions, when executed by a computing system, cause the computingsystem to: identify a plurality of access points in a 3-D space;determine a wireless signal strength for each of the plurality of accesspoints; determine an interference with the wireless signal strength ofeach of the plurality of access points by: determining a distance and anangle between a respective access point and a neighboring access point,and determining a signal strength within an area defined by the distanceand the angle, wherein the interference is caused by the neighboringaccess point of the plurality of access points in the 3-D space; andpresent a 3-D visualization of a wireless signal propagation patternrepresenting the wireless signal strength from each of the plurality ofaccess points in the 3-D space and the interference from the neighboringaccess point, wherein the wireless signal propagation pattern includespartitioning of the 3-D space into one or more segments based on adegree of the wireless signal strength and the interference from theneighboring access point, and wherein the 3-D space is visualized as abuilding plan.
 15. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim14, wherein the computer readable medium further comprises instructionsthat, when executed by the computing system, cause the computing systemto: project a plurality of ray-paths in a plurality of directions in the3-D space, wherein the ray-paths originate from each of the plurality ofaccess points and emanate in a variety of X, Y, and Z planes; determinewhether the ray-paths interface with one or more materials defined inthe building plan; for each ray-path of the ray-paths that interfacewith the one or more materials defined in the building plan, segmentingthe respective ray-path into contiguous segments of substantiallyuniform mediums; and determine the wireless signal strength at pointsalong the contiguous segments of the ray-paths, wherein the wirelesssignal strength degrades along the contiguous segments of the ray-pathsas defined by a wireless signal propagation model as a function ofdistance through the contiguous segments and characteristics of thewireless signal strength through the substantially uniform mediumsthrough which the contiguous segments traverse.
 16. The non-transitorycomputer readable medium of claim 14, wherein the computer readablemedium further comprises instructions that, when executed by thecomputing system, cause the computing system to: mark a portion of theone or more segments if the wireless signal propagation pattern at theportion is smaller than a threshold; and modify a configuration of oneor more access points within the portion of which the wireless signalpropagation pattern is smaller than the threshold.
 17. Thenon-transitory computer readable medium of claim 14, wherein thecomputer readable medium further comprises instructions that, whenexecuted by the computing system, cause the computing system to: receivedata associated with client devices in the 3-D space; and update the 3-Dvisualization of the wireless signal propagation pattern based on thedata associated with the client devices in the 3-D space.